Greetings:

Thanks to BlockDog, I recently got hooked up with a new DVD Player --- one that plays the two newest audio formats --- DVD- Audio and Super Audio Compact Disc. The model that Block recommended was the PIONEER DV563A --- which was purchased from the Circuit City website. The total cost including shipping and handling was less than $200.00/US --- pretty sweet considering that the last time I checked out SACD players, they were well over $1,000.00/US!!

As good as this DVD player is, I want to comment upon the discs that carry these new audio formats --- DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD.

Anyone that has a DVD player and home theatre setup should now be familiar with surround sound. The DVD in 5.1 surround is rich in its' sonic depth and it is very easy to get spoiled with this type of a setup. Both the DVD-A and SACD formats deliver these same parameters --- full, lush 5.1 surround, and it gives the listener a chance to listen to their favorite albums in a new light.

I have listened to and observed the three following titles (format listed after title:

01) Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon (SACD 5.1 Surround)

02) Queen - A Night At The Opera (DVD-A 5.1 Surround)

03) Frank Zappa - Halloween (DVD-A 5.1 Surround)

The most striking is of course, Dark Side Of The Moon. In 5.1 surround, the mix in places sounds almost like an entirely new album. I was surprised that the most stiking effects track was Any Colour You Like. Tracks like Time and Money do contain some interesting colors in the new mix by James Guthrie --- who has worked with PINK FLOYD since 1979's THE WALL.

Even though this was the eighth copy of DSOTM that Ihave purchased over the years; LP, audiophile vinyl, CD, CD remaster, SACD, etc. --- hearing this in surround sound was almost like hearing it again for the very first time.

Both of the QUEEN and FRANK ZAPPA discs were DVD-Audio discs, which contain extras --- such as music videos and lyrics. In the case of the QUEEN DVD-A --- the video included was the original BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY promotional film, and NOT the bastardization from the Wayne's World film soundtrack.

In the case of the FRANK ZAPPA DVD-A, there are two videos, one from Saturday Night Live, when Frank performed Dancin' Fool, and the second one is a real nice concert clip --- a nice long jam on one of his most popular songs.

Again, the rich textures of surround sound make it seem like the listener is sitting in the front row of one of the classic ZAPPA Halloween shows at the Palladium in New York City.

Now that the prices have come down to reasonable levels --- I would recommend that anyone interested pick up one of these players. For the price you simply cannot beat surround sound.

I would highly recommend going out and purchasing one of these players, as the sound is phenomenal!

KDB = Buffalo, NY USA